Hare Scrambles
Race Pictures | Rules | 2002 Standings
Hare Scrambles a sport for the novice, as well as, advanced riders. This type of racing focuses on endurance. All races are cross-country over hills, rocks, washouts and high speed straight-a-ways. They last two hours. However, the final race of the year offers teams or individuals a feat of endurance. The final three hour event seemingly is either cold and wet, or hot and dusty.
I got started racing when Roxanne bought me a 2000 YZ426F for our 7 year anniversary. I hadn't rode dirtbike in almost a decade. I started out riding around in the gravel pits, but I always wanted to race. I thought one Sunday I would try it out. For my first race it was 97 degrees outside with 97% humidity. I wasn't sure what to expect.
I borrowed a trailer from a friend and we drove to Renner, SD. I didn't even have numbers on my bike yet. I got there and they said that I could sign up for the beginner class (which is only one hour long), the 4 stroke open class (which has pro racers) or 250 B class. I wanted the challenge so I went with the 4 stroke open class.
I knew that was a mistake when this semi pulled up and unloaded two 4 stroke dirtbikes. They even had their own mechanics and sponsors. I didn't mind though because I was there to have fun and see what this was all about.
After the riders meeting the parade lap was about to start. I got on my bike and Roxanne gave me a good luck kiss. Then she noticed an ambulance pull up. She asked what that was for. I told her just for precautionary measures. She wanted me to get off the bike right then and there.
I couldn't believe how long just the parade lap was. I was tired by the time I got back to the car to top off the bike with gas and get back to the line to race. I thought to myself only two more hours to go (ha-ha).
Our line was fourth to start. There were nine racers in my class that day and I knew the top two were pro's. The flag dropped, I got on my bike and fired it up. I got an excellent start, I actually beat one of the two pro guys off the line. I had my throttle pinned. I had so much adrenaline running through me. I rounded the first corner and approached the first jump. Mind you I have not rode dirtbike in 10 years and when I did it wasn't anything like this. I hit the first tabletop jump and flew. I could not believe how much air I got from that jump. Next was a huge double and that's when reality kicked in. The pro racer I beat off from the line just flew over my head like nothing. Now the fun started, I wanted to see how long I could keep up with him. I did for awhile but it didn't last. However, I was satisfied on how I was doing.
About an hour into the race I decided to make a pit stop and fill up with gas. I was totally exhausted, I could hardly pick up the gas can. I knew I was only half done, but I still had a smile on my face. When I finished the race, I was ready to pass out. They announced the trophy presentation was to start soon. I told Roxanne let's pack up the bike and get home. She said maybe we should stick around I think you did better than you thought. A lot of these racers have been doing this awhile and they didn't get too excited when they would receive a trophy. They got to the 4 stroke open class and they said, "We have a first time racer here today and he got 5th place." I couldn't believe it. Not that 5th place is anything to brag about, but it wasn't bad for my very first race. Roxanne started yelling and clapping which got everyone else going. Everyone was cheering, it was awesome.
So that is how I got hooked on racing. I finished the year in sixth place. I raced the three hour race by myself in the 4 stroke open class that year also. I only made it to 2 of the 6 point races in 2003 before I sold the dirtbike. I finished the 2003 in 6th place overall also.